The meaning of shirt numbers in football

In association football, jersey numbers or squad numbers are utilized to differentiate players who are playing on the field. These numbers are helpful in indicating the position of each player in the starting line-up, with the players usually donning numbers 1-11. Nowadays, the significance of these numbers has diminished and they are often chosen based on the players' personal preferences and the availability of numbers. Nonetheless, numbers 1-11 remain the most commonly used on the football pitch.

To provide further clarity, it is common for defenders to wear lower numbers like two, three, and four while higher numbers like seven, nine, and 10 are typically reserved for star forwards, attacking midfielders, and playmakers. However, the number one is typically assigned to the first choice goalkeeper of a team.

History of using shirt number in football

The use of numbered jerseys in football dates back to 1911, when Australian teams Sydney Leichardt and HMS Powerful first implemented squad numbers on their shirts. The following year, numbering in football became mandatory in New South Wales. The next recorded instance occurred on March 23, 1914, when the English Wanderers, an amateur team comprising players from Football League clubs, faced off against Corinthians at Stamford Bridge in London. This was the first match played by Corinthians after their FA ban for joining the Amateur Football Association was lifted, with the Wanderers emerging victorious with a 4-2 win.

In South America, Argentina became the first country to use numbered shirts in football. This happened during a friendly match played between the Scottish team Third Lanark and a local combined team ("Zona Norte") on June 10, 1923. Both teams wore shirts numbered from 1 to 11.

On March 30, 1924, the use of squad numbers in football arrived in the United States during a match between the Fall River Marksmen and St. Louis Vesper Buick in the 1923-24 National Challenge Cup. However, only the local team wore numbered shirts during the game. The history of numbered shirts in football is a testament to the evolution of the game, and their use continues to be an important aspect of the sport to this day.

The meaning of shirt number in football

1. Jersey Number 1

Iker Casillas

In football, the number one jersey is typically worn by the first choice goalkeeper of a team. Interestingly, this number has never been assigned to an outfield player. Renowned goalkeepers such as Iker Casillas of Real Madrid and Spain, as well as Oliver Kahn, Gianluigi Buffon, and Manuel Neuer, have famously donned this jersey number.

2. Jersey Number 2

Gary Neville

More specifically, the No. 2 shirt is typically worn by right-back defenders. Gary Neville, who enjoyed a long career with Manchester United at Old Trafford, Cafu, and Ivan Cordoba are among the notable players who have worn this shirt number.

3. Jersey Number 3

Roberto Carlos

Left-back defenders typically wear the No.3 jersey, with notable players such as Maldini and Roberto Carlos having worn it during their careers.

4. Jersey Number 4

Sergio Ramos

The No.4 jersey is typically assigned to central defenders or defensive midfielders, with notable players like former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira having made a name for themselves while wearing it.

5. Jersey Number 5

Zinedine Zidane

The No.5 jersey is commonly associated with centre-backs, and has been worn by notable players such as ex-Barcelona captain and one-club man Carles Puyol, Fabio Cannavaro, and Franz Beckenbauer. Even playmaking central midfielder Zinedine Zidane donned the iconic No.5 shirt during his time at Real Madrid.

6. Jersey Number 6

Xavi

The No.6 jersey is typically worn by central defensive/holding midfielders, with legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi having donned it during his time at Camp Nou.

7. Jersey Number 7

Cristiano Ronaldo

Typically, the No.7 jersey is reserved for wingers and second strikers, but there have been instances of legendary central strikers wearing it. The No.7 shirt carries a classic and iconic status due to some of the game's biggest legends having worn it. One notable example is Sir Alex Ferguson assigning the No.7 jersey to Cristiano Ronaldo, who successfully carried on the legacy left by Cantona and Beckham during his time at Manchester United.

8. Jersey Number 8

Kaka

Compared to other popular football jersey numbers like 7, 9, and 10, the No.8 jersey is not typically as iconic or flashy. It is usually worn by goalscoring midfielders who possess the ability to not only find the back of the net frequently, but also create opportunities for their teammates. Additionally, great box-to-box midfielders who excel in both scoring and creating also commonly wear this number. Some legendary midfielders who have donned the No.8 jersey include Steven Gerrard, Andres Iniesta, and Kaka during his time with Real Madrid.

9. Jersey Number 9

Fernando Torres

In football, the No.9 jersey is typically reserved for the center forward or main striker of a team. This position is responsible for prolific goal-scoring in any given formation, particularly in formations like 4-3-3, 4-2-2, or 4-2-3-1. Some legendary players of the game who have worn the iconic No.9 jersey include Fernando Torres and Ronaldo Nazario. Currently, great goal scorers such as Suarez and Lewandowski also proudly wear the No.9 jersey.

10. Jersey Number 10

Lionel Messi

The No.10 jersey is widely regarded as one of the most iconic numbers in football. Traditionally, this number is assigned to the team's playmaker or star attacking midfielder, and it holds significant value and respect. Legends of the game such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Pele have set the bar incredibly high for players who wear the No.10 jersey.

11. Jersey Number 11

Ryan Giggs

The number 11 jersey is usually reserved for a team's left winger. At Old Trafford, Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs famously wore the number 11 shirt. Brazilian star Neymar also wore the same number while playing for Santos and Barcelona, and legendary Brazilian striker Romario was also part of this exclusive group.

Special situations in using shirt numbers

• Hicham Zerouali wore the number 0 for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League, as the fans nicknamed him "Zero".
• Sergio Vargas wore number 188 for Universidad de Chile in 2001 as part of a commercial agreement with Telefónica CTC Chile. However, he had to wear number 1 in international competitions.
• Marco Olea wore number 111 for Universidad de Chile in the 2005 season, after giving his number 11 to Marcelo Salas.
• Iván Zamorano wore the number "1+8" (18 with a plus symbol) for Internazionale from 1997 to 2000, after Ronaldo took his number 9.
• In the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Thomas Oar wore number 121 for Australia due to the AFC's rule requiring players to keep the same squad number throughout the qualification rounds.
• Róger Guedes chose number 123 when he signed for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, as he had worn 23 for years and wanted to start a new chapter in his life, while still retaining a connection to his old number.
• The substitution board will show either 12 or 23, and someone will inform Guedes of the change.
• Jesús Arellano wore the number 400 for Club de Futbol Monterrey in 1996 to commemorate the city's 400th anniversary.
• Harlei, the goalkeeper for Brazilian team Goiás, wore number 400 in 2006 to celebrate his 400th match for the team.
• Fábio Costa, goalkeeper for Brazilian team Santos, wore number 300 in a match in 2008 to commemorate his 300th match for the team.
• Andreas Herzog wore the number 100 for the Austrian national team in a friendly against Norway, as he became the first Austrian player to earn 100 caps.